Outpost IV PFS 2-00 The King in Thorns PbP Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

Hello! Feel free to dot in and roleplay. We'll begin the game as soon as Outpost IV begins!

A tall, slightly awkward Garundi man appears. He starts to introduce himself, halts, and then laughs sheepishly. Smiling warmly, as part of an attempt to start over, he tries again.

G-g-g-good to meet you all, I'm Elsha. A-as you can see from these alchemical effects, I'm the muscle.

Chuckling at his own joke, he runs his fingers along his bandolier to indicate the various concoctions tucked away in it.

An old rough looking Dwarf looks up and grins "Name's Scratch of the infamous Steeltoe Clan. Good ta meetcha." He shows off a mouth half filled with yellow teeth as he offers up a handshake.

From the look (and smell) of Scratch, he likes to keep his company mostly to himself out in the wilds. He's wearing some well used studded leather armor with a fine looking crossbow across his back. He drags out a few strips of dried meat and offers it up to share. "Hungry Elsha? Got lots." A gamey, smokiness starts to perfume the room.

An unusually handsome and neat looking goblin adjusts his tie as he nods politely at Scratch and Elsha.

"And I'm Flunk Wright, defense attorney and part-time adventurer," he smiles, presenting his business card to anyone who will take it. "If you ever end up on the wrong side of the law, I'm your goblin." He stretches open one of his ashen-tinted hands and a small ball of fire flickers from his palm.

Scratch holds a piece of jerky over the flames to warm it up a bit "Good trick there. I know who's gonna start the mornin' n evenin' fires on this trip!" He accepts a business card and stuffs it in an inside pocket for safe keeping.

"Helloo!" In pops a chipper gnome. Her wavy, aquamarine hair is tied back into a high ponytail with a leather thong, and her amethyst eyes twinkle out of her open, childlike face of golden oak skin. It's rather an odd combination of colors. In contrast, her clothing and studded leather armor are all subtly varying tones of golden brown, as is the violin slung over her shoulder. "Hi everyone! I'm Salaish. How do ya' do? Ooo! Is it snack time? I'm famished!"

A young looking Taldan man walks in among you and smiles. He is wearing a simple chain mail and carries a dagger and sling. Around his neck is an amulet with the symbol of Pharasma emblazoned.

He measures everyone up and then after some time nods to himself, "Good!"

He then greets everyone, "Well met everyone. I am Jak, your dabbler in death and healing. Hopefully I won't have to give the last rites to anyone today besides the enemy."

Elsha makes a slightly horrified face when offered the raggedy dry jerky. Then when the dwarf waves it over the flame his expression turns to culinary intrigue.

Ah, o-okay. That smells pretty good when cooked.

He looks over to the goblin. K-k-keep that fire comin'!

Scratch raises a grey eyebrow at Elsha "Its already been cooked you nummah! Just warmin' it up a bit, helps with that... bouquet they call it?" He hands out a couple strips to everyone that wants some, letting everyone reheat theirs as they so choose, so long as Flunk obliges.

"Carefully, now," Flunk is delicate and intentional with his reheating, passing Scratch's endless supply of salted meat in a circle. "Caution, contents may be hot! By accepting this heated jerky, you agree to my terms and conditions, up to and including the possibility of your tongue being burnt," he smiles.

Grinning enthusiastically, Salaish accepts the proffered jerky from Scratch. "Ooh! Thanks! I owe you one!"

At Flunk's fine print speech, she giggles. "Hehehehe! You're so funny! I like you." Nudging him in the ribs with her elbow playfully, she causes his hand to wobble as she holds her jerky above the flame. Meeting his glance with a twinkle in her eye, she admits: "Don't worry. I'm just an innocent maiden who's all heart." Batting her puppy eyes at him, she takes a huge bite of jerky and immediately regrets it. Dang it. Now I'll be chewing this for the next half hour!

Scratch gives everyone a wide grin, happy to see they too are enjoying his cooking "Not bad fer smoked skunk rump eh?" He gives it another sniff as it comes off the goblin barbecue before tearing off a big piece.

"So what brings this crew o rapscallions together today eh? Anyone have a clue?" His eyes survey the group, taking their obvious weapons and armor into account. "Hopefully we ain't the next legal defense team of some necromancer or somethin'. Gotta say I'm not a big fan of their work around the Dread Lands." He balls up a fist and shakes it in the appropriate direction.

Y-yes, it warms it up and removes... extra "scents." But I thank you, it h-hits the spot!

The alchemist then looks around at the group to see who seems knowledgeable about their mission.

Nope, f-for all I know we're watching the Venture-Captains kids!

The introvert smiles sheepishly.

Hey don't start the party without me ya'll! No one here racist against full orcs are they?

"Not bad fer smoked skunk rump eh?"

Salaish freezes mid-chew, blanching with her eyes bugging out of her head. Her gaze is fixed on nothing as her mind races around her options: spit it out or keep chewing. It takes her several seconds to realize that she's already enjoyed and swallowed some of it already, so she might as well finish it off. With determined mental effort, she forces herself to keep chewing. It'll still be a while before she gets that huge bite down the hatch, though.

Hey don't start the party without me ya'll! No one here racist against full orcs are they?

Her mouth still full of skunk rump jerky (Why just the rump? And why a skunk?!), Salaish gives the newcomer a bulky, closed-lip grin and a friendly punch to the side of his leg, which is about as high as she can reach without getting too fresh. With her other hand, she gives him a thumbs up.

Scratch looks up from his own jerky and nods at the orcish newcomer "I hate everyone just the same greenskin. Want some jerky?" He digs out another couple pieces and waves them around.

"Skunk meat don't taste like skunk stank, unless you have a mishap shootin' 'em or butcherin' 'em. Just don't let 'em spray themself, and don't cut the stank sac under the tail n yer good ta go!" He bends over and points roughly on his own self where the sac would be.

"Just gotta remember skunks can only spray once in a while. If they blasted yer buddie already then yer golden!" He chuckles to himself at his inside joke. Pete's such a nummah sometimes!

Pathfinders hurry around the makeshift camp, packing and unpacking supplies, making repairs, and scribing scrolls.

The atmosphere is excited but tinged with some trepidation. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal from Nirmathas takes the lead, ensuring everyone has an assignment and is working on it. A religious symbol of Alseta—goddess of doorways, portals, thresholds, and transitions—hangs from her neck, showing two faces in profile.

You've landed in the Mwangi Jungle, in the midst of a frantic Pathfinder base camp. Venture Captains and agents move here and there, but several notable faces seem to be in the lead. Venture-Captains Oraiah Tolal, Bjersig Torrsen, and Khoumrock Blackthane accompany the Pathfinders on this mission, along with faction leaders Calisro Benarry of the Horizon Hunters, Fola Barun of the Envoy’s Alliance, Urwal of the Verdant Wheel, and Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath. Venture-Captain Tolal is the head Pathfinder for this mission, but all of these leaders participate in the expedition.

You can choose from the following list of activities to aid the preparations: Inventory, Magical Supplies, Mapping, Morale, Repairs or Research. Where would you like to start? First two responses in agreement make the choice.

Flunk gets up from his jerky-toasting and shuts his briefcase. "Looks like something is starting," he notes, walking through the base camp. "I prefer to help with research. Papers and documents are kind of my thing, believe it or not." He pauses with a fiery glimmer in his eye.

Words? WORDS EVIL! Burn books, not read!

Clearing his throat abruptly, Flunk turns to Salaish. "How about a short ditty on that violin of yours while we dig in?"

Flunk prefers to Research

Mapping Gotta know where we are going.

"Oh, gosh! Well, I'm not gonna be much help with research, but I can cheer you folks on pretty well. Of course, I'm pretty flexible. You never get better without trying, after all!" She whips out her violin, tunes it quickly, and launches into a tune that conveys a sense of eager determination and excitement.

Salaish would be best at Morale, but she'll eagerly try to help wherever she's needed. If we go with Mapping, she can switch one of her cantrips out to gain Know Direction, if that'll help.

Mapping wins first go!

Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen scrutinizes a map as his loyal dog, Mahki, lies by his feet. Mahki barks to alert Torrsen to approaching Pathfinders. He says, “I’m verifying all of our maps against what we can see from here. Landmarks can easily change. Why don’t you see if you can find any discrepancies?”

Relevant skills are Nature, Survival and Perception. Please include some role-playing as to how you're using the skills, then roll. Feel free to play off each other, ALWAYS!

Just because I think its rarely going to get the chance to be used, how about scouting lore?

Scratch hops up from his rock and follows the group towards the sounds of dogs "Mapping? Ole Scratch here knows a thing or two 'bout the history, application, n goods of scoutin'!" He proceeds to point out the good bits to the group.

Scouting Lore (or Survival with +1 more if you don't allow Scouting): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Its all about landmarks kids, landmarks! Big ones, old ones! Don't give two nuts about those couple tiny fig trees there, show me that moss covered boulder! Or that ancient stream bed!" He tosses down the grisly bit of some jerky to the dog and keeps on rambling.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

A small army of Pathfinders, you among them, wade ashore as the the Society’s expedition makes landfall. Venture-Captains and society faction leaders--many of them familiar to you--immediately begin directing Pathfinders in the myriad tasks that need to be done.

Welcome to PFS #2-00 The King in Thorns! GMs, please begin the Introduction. Part 1 begins in 2 days.

Scratch, Scouting Lore sounds good!

In fact that is a greater success!

VC Torrsen nods appreciatively. "Well done, Pathfinders! Since you have added much to our knowledge, there are a stack of charts over there you ought to review. Might come in handy soon. Otherwise, you should see if any of the other Captains need your help. Darn busy business, this."

Inventory, Magical Supplies, Mapping, Morale, Repairs or Research are still available. First two in agreement choose!

"I'm not sure, but perhaps we should do some Research next. Never hurts to be prepared."

Research it is, Barbarians will research how squishy or tough the enemies are by trial and error when he swing our weapons. You all can do real research.

Elsha raises a hand, pointing a crooked finger skyward.

Y-y-yes, I would be up for some deep research! Knowledge is power.

He says the last bit almost solemnly.

Radiant Oath faction leader Valais Durant oversees a small army of Pathfinders poring over books and scrolls. A few use magical methods to absorb information even faster. “Oh good, you’re here to help. I was able to get these reference materials from local institutions. There’s information on local plants, animals, and fey that I couldn’t get at home. We’re about to face a lot of dangers. Choose your favorite topic and start reading.”

The relevant skills are Nature, Society, Survival. Roleplay and roll!

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Didn't I say documents were kind of my thing?" Flunk begins tearing through stacks of papers and books, striking off irrelevant sections in red and underlining more important ones. He pauses upon a particularly 'thrilling' piece, bringing the book around for everyone else to see. "Of course this bit about deadly plants is located in Subsection 3.4.1 of Chapter 6, Book 79. Exactly where I thought it would be!"

The group wanders off while Scratch is still going through the applications of scouting. "Guess kids these days don't like a good teachable moment." The old Dwarf follows after.

-----

Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Deadly plants eh? I 'et them things fer breakfast! Lemme have a lookee." Scratch takes a closer look at the documents and points to a few pictures "Nope, don't 'et them ones fer breakfast. Don't wipe yer arse with 'em after breakfast neither."

Flunk and Scratch combine to pour through the books with great speed and even greater accuracy. Valais takes note of their effectiveness and soon enough the task is done.

Due to obtaining a greater success, each PC can once during the adventure automatically succeed at one check to Recall Knowledge.

Good job!

Inventory, Magical Supplies, Morale, or Repairs remain! First two in agreement get the choice!

Wow, you guys are good. You knew those things like it was first grade math. I Vote Repairs next.

"Ahh, good idea big fella, let's go grease a few wheels while we're here. I know my way 'round a wrench!" He follows along, letting the big orc, or whoever else may want to start it off.

Repairs it is!

Venture-Captain Khoumrock Blackthane ensures that groups of smiths and carpenters accompanying the Pathfinders have everything they need. “A lot of this gear got damaged on the voyage over. We need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.”

Relevant skills are Athletics, Crafting or Guild Lore.

Salaish is just about to suggest bumping up everyone's morale a bit when Mandower suggests repairs. Her face falls. "Well, I'll help with that by staying out of the way. Seriously, I'm totally useless at fixing things. But next can we do some happy stuff for everyone? I'm best at that, after all." She continues playing her violin so those working on repairs have some pleasant background music to inspire them and pass the time.

Here's my preemptive vote for doing Morale next.

Mandower being the strong and energetic barbarian he will use athletics athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
If that is a crit fail and has consequences, I will use a hero point to reroll, otherwise, I'll just let it stand. Though I doubt the DC is 19 or so.

Scratch watches Mandower try muscle over ingenuity and shakes his grey beard "That's what I would done back in my yoot too. These old bones just can't take that sorta pressure anymore. Gotta try workin' out the melon now." He pulls out a few tools from his bandoleer and gets to work on the cracked shaft of that wagon wheel.

Craft, Repair Kit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Man, Scratch is on fire! Remember these rolls when he starts tanking the combat ones!

Athletics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Jak attempts to help with the repairs using what little dexterity he has but just seems to get in the way without accomplishing anything.

"I'm with Salaish," Flunk says, turning to the gnome as he adjusts his tie. "Besides, looks like Scratch here has made quick work of those repairs. Very impressive!"

Ya, morale sounds good for next!

Blackthane is very impressed by Scratch's work and grunts his approval.

Greater success! Each PC receives one piece of non-magical low-grade cold iron ammunition of their choice from the Core Rulebook. AND Greater Reward As the standard reward, and the PCs receive a single non-magical low-grade cold iron simple or martial weapon of their choice from the Core Rulebook.

MORALE

Horizon Hunters faction leader Calisro Benarry waves the group over. “Some of the newer Pathfinders seem a little nervous about this mission. Can you cheer them up a bit? This is exciting, after all!”

Relevant skills are Deception, Diplomacy, Performance!

Darn, I fell behind today. Elsha is pretty big on crafting too, but let's see about this next one...

Dipomacy, aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Elsha assumes Salaish is going to be best at this part, but he also understands his calm, reticent demeanor can put others at ease. Especially those who've been intimidated or even singled out by imposing VC personalities.

He follows the gnome around, shaking a few hands among newer Pathfinders, looking them in the eye, and getting them to talk about what they're good at.

Just r-r-remember, you're here for a reason. Do what you do best. Comparisons are p-p-poison. Focus on the problem in front of you at all times!

I'll let you guys handle this one. Um aid in Pathfinder 2.0 is a 20, not a 10. So Aid isn't even useful till about level 5 or so.

So in regards to the rewards: That's 2? pieces of cold iron ammo PER PC? And a single CI weapon for the group right? Scratch is all about his crossbow so I'd be quite happy for any donated CI bolts to his quiver. As far as the single CI melee weapon, I'd say whatever Mandower likes to use.

Scratch happily snags some cold iron bolts from the barrel "Lots of good stuff in here team, fill yer pockets!"

"So Blackthane, what kinda evil buggers do we need the cold iron for anyhow?"

--------

Knowing this isn't his strong suit, Scratch keeps his yellow teeth behind closed lips for this challenge. Wonder what we're gonna need cold iron for... hrm.

Flunk stands in front of the nervous Pathfinders and starts flipping through a manuscript. "No need to fear what lies ahead. So many different skills and walks of life means there's no situation we could not possibly be prepared for - even an impromptu court battle!" Flunk winks, snaps his finger, and suddenly a small plume of fire appears from his palm. "Of course, if all else fails, there's always fire."

FIRE GOOD!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Sweet, Cold Iron Halberd for Mandower. And Mandower will donate a crossbow bolt to Scratch.

Eyes twinkling merrily, Salaish rocks her violin and dances around the camp, playing rousing ditty that gets the toes tapping and the heart soaring. She looks for the nervous Pathfinders, fully understanding how they feel, and makes sure to linger by them until she sees some spark of hope in them.

Performance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

The newly minted Pathfinders look reassured but still apprehensive when the impromptu concert is over, leaving you with hope as their survival rate!

The neophyte Pathfinders are in much better spirits for the journey ahead and can lend the PCs a hand. Once during the adventure, each PC can receive a +1 circumstance bonus to one skill check or attack roll, representing the fellow Pathfinder succeeding at a check to Aid them. The PC must decide to use this benefit before rolling.

Inventory and Magical Supplies are left! We have about 4 hours before this part is done, so I'll post both. Good luck!

INVENTORY
Verdant Wheel faction leader Urwal lays on the ground, making marks on a scroll that stretches over 10 feet long. “This is our supplies list. Everything from rations to ammunition to the mounts needed to transport it all with us. We need to ensure that we know where everything is. I’m not letting anyone try to forage while we’re traveling.” Nature, Society or Survival!

MAGICAL SUPPLIES
Envoy’s Alliance faction leader Fola Barun directs a group of Pathfinders who are carefully blending magic and ingredients inside glass vials. “Come help us ensure that everyone is well supplied for this journey.” Arcana, Nature, Occultism or Religion

Elsha grabs the supply list and sighs lightly. Well, I s-s-suppose this is the "chopping wood" portion of our work. Not the most exciting, but necessary!

Society: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

After a while of that, satisfied that the inventory is accounted for, he exhales looking around for anything else to do.

Ah! Arcane ingredients and glass vials. Now that looks familiar! But, is it enough...?

Elsha gets to work assessing the purpose of the vials' contents, how many present might need these types of supplies and whether another order should be placed before the various groups embark on the mission.

Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Jak goes foraging but the unfamiliar territory leads his results desiring.

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

When it comes to helping blend magic and ingredients, Jak proves to be all thumbs.